Travel Ideas

6 Epic River Expeditions Beyond the Grand Canyon

By Dylan Silver March 25, 2025 1 Min. Read

Cataract Canyon Stillwater Canyon rafting. — Though not quite as long, Cataract Canyon offers similarly giant whitewater and spectacular canyon scenery to the Grand Canyon. | Photo: Kate Rhoswen

North America’s Other Once-in-a-Lifetime Rafting Adventures You Need to Experience

When it comes to legendary river expeditions in North America, the Grand Canyon often steals the spotlight—and for good reason. But if you’re looking for a trip to do after the Grand Canyon or as a warmup for the Big One, the West is packed with rivers that offer similarly thrilling rapids, jaw-dropping scenery, and unforgettable adventures. Though it’s hard to beat Grand Canyon for the ultimate whitewater rafting trip, these six adventures give it a pretty good run.

Ultimate Salmon – Idaho

Two yellow rafts float down floating through a rocky stretch of the Middle Fork of the Salmon on a river expedition in Idaho — The Middle Fork of the Salmon River offers one of Idaho’s most dramatic river canyons. | Photo: Rob Aseltine

The longest undammed river in the United States, the Salmon River is a Western rafting classic. Over the course of more than 300 miles, the Ultimate Salmon experience blends some of the country’s best whitewater, serene calm stretches, and stunning Idaho wilderness. Start high up at the put-in for the Middle Fork and end at the takeout in the desert canyon of the Lower. With hot springs, huge sandy beaches, world-class fishing and awesome scenery, the Salmon offers something for everyone. Whether you’re in it for the thrill of the rapids or the peace of star-filled nights by the campfire, this lengthy river expedition is hard to beat.

Tatshenshini River – Alaska

A yellow raft floats in front of a massive iceberg on a Tatshenshini rafting trip — A raft floats in front of a massive iceberg on a Tatshenshini rafting trip. | Photo: Justin Bailie

The Tatshenshini River flows through a remote slice of northwestern British Columbia and the Yukon before crossing into Alaska, where it joins the Alsek River and empties into the Gulf of Alaska. It’s one of North America’s most wild and rugged rafting expeditions, offering big adventure and the staggering beauty of the Alsek and St. Elias mountain ranges. Picture icebergs floating past your raft, grizzly bears wandering the shore, and tents that zip open to immense views. This is one for the hardcore adventurer—raw, remote, and truly humbling.

Nahanni River – Northwest Territories, Canada

Yellow rafts at shore under the glowing green Northern Lights. — Rafts at shore on the Nahanni River under the glowing green Northern Lights. | Photo: Nahanni River Adventures

A Nahanni River expedition isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey deep into Canada’s wild heart, starting at the rarely visited Virginia Falls. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Nahanni National Park offers a perfect float on a remote river that winds through some of the most pristine roadless wilderness in North America. The Class II-III whitewater is manageable for most intermediate paddlers, but the real magic lies in the solitude, a chance to camp under the swirling Northern Lights, and the feeling that you’ve visited a truly special place.

Yampa River – Colorado

A yellow raft floats past a massive sandstone wall in the Yampa River Canyon — A raft floats past a massive sandstone wall in the Yampa River Canyon. | Photo by Taylor Miller Photo

The Yampa River is one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Colorado River system, offering a glimpse of what it looked like before dams altered many of the iconic rivers of the Southwest. Running through Dinosaur National Monument, this trip combines solid rapids, which can be some of the best whitewater in Colorado during high water periods, with stunning sandstone desert scenery that captures some of the West’s most fascinating history. For those interested in geology trips, the Yampa River Canyon is home to some of the oldest exposed rocks on the planet, not to mention an array of fossils and ancient petroglyphs that are visible along the way.

Cataract Canyon – Utah

A dory plows through a big rapid on the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon, a shorter alternative to a Grand Canyon river expedition — A dory plows through a big rapid on the Colorado River in Cataract Canyon. | Photo: James Kaiser

Like a shorter Grand Canyon, Cataract Canyon in Utah’s Canyonlands National Park boasts massive desert walls, big Colorado River rapids and one of the best river trips on the continent. When the snowmelt swells in spring, Cataract’s legendary Big Drop rapids become raging torrents. But the quiet side of this expedition is just as much of a draw. Picture perfect hikes into otherworldly red rock formations like the Doll House or paddle boarding through glassy calm stretches. Add star gazing in one of the most famous Dark Sky Parks in America and OARS’ fresh and tasty menu, and you’ve got a perfectly well-rounded adventure.

Chilko, Chilcotin, Fraser Rivers – British Columbia, Canada

A rafting expedition charges into whitewater on the Chilko River — Beyond the Grand Canyon, a trip down the Chilko, Chilcotin, and Fraser Rivers is a North American rafting highlight. | Photo: Justin Bailie

For those who crave epic whitewater and adrenaline-fueled fun, a Chilko rafting trip* delivers. Known for the famous “White Mile,” the longest stretch of commercially-rafted Class IV rapids in North America, this British Columbia river expedition offers a thrilling multi-day adventure, culminating on the Chilcotin and Fraser Rivers. You’ll be surrounded by forests teeming with wildlife, and if you’re lucky, you might spot bears or eagles along the banks. Fast-paced action combined with serene campsites and a couple of nights in the plush riverside lodge, the Bear Den, makes this a bucket-list trip for any whitewater enthusiast.

*A landslide in July 2024 impacted the Farwell Canyon section of the Chilcotin River. The status of the 2025 season is still uncertain, however outfitters are hopeful that the spring run-off will fully clear the blockage and that Chilko, Chilcotin, Fraser River trips will operate as usual. If that section cannot be navigated safely, there are multiple contingency plans in place to get past the site.